Stage climber

ABSTRACT

An article of manufacture for providing a stage prop, and more specifically, an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage platform for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings is disclosed. The article has a front side having a blank wall surface, a set of rising steps along a top surface, and a rear wall having a storage door to internal storage volume and a fold-down table surface. The article of manufacture provides a performance platform when oriented with the rear wall located on the floor with a bottom side and a long side oriented towards an audience perspective. The article further comprises a plurality of removable rear wall panels for providing attachment for additional staging props. The plurality of removable wall panels comprises a door, a wall having a window, and a wall having a table.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to commonly owned U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. ______, titled “THE STAIR CLIMBER,” and filed concurrently on Jul. ______, 2020. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a stage prop, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage prop/backdrop for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings.

BACKGROUND

With the popularity of video recordings of live performances and podcasts, individuals are in need of a platform usable as a small stage/stairs that may be easily put away when not in use while also providing storage for stage props and related items used in a performance. These live performances may also need a realistic backdrop for staging the live performances that includes a workspace having a desk or small table. Such backdrop items are typically large and bulky, overwhelm small spaces, are not easily moved, and difficult to store.

Therefore, a need exists for a an article of manufacture for a multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage prop for live performances in a small theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings. The article of manufacture also may be used as a stage and stored on its side when not being used as a backdrop. The “Stage Climber” may also provide storage space for unused stage props. The present invention attempts to address the shortcomings of prior art solutions according to the principles of the invention as disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage prop/backdrop for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing a stage prop, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage platform for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings. The article has a front side having a blank wall surface, a set of rising steps along a top surface, and a rear wall having a storage door to internal storage volume and a fold-down table surface. The article of manufacture provides a performance platform when oriented with the rear wall located on the floor with a bottom side and a long side oriented towards an audience perspective. The article further comprises a plurality of removable rear wall panels for providing attachment for additional staging props. The plurality of removable wall panels comprises a door, a wall having a window, and a wall having a table.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1a-b illustrate an example embodiment for an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage platform for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings according to the present invention.

FIG. 2a-b illustrate a rear view embodiment of an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage platform for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top down view of an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage platform for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an article of manufacture for providing a performer's stage useful as a stage platform on its side for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a stage prop, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage prop/backdrop for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings according to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

As used herein, the term “about” means that dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill. Further, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” shall expressly include “exactly.”

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “The Stage Climber.” Invention may be used interchangeably with platform and prop.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage platform. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1a-b illustrate an example embodiment for an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage platform for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings according to the present invention. The Stage Climber 100 is a prop that is for small theatre spaces and social media users for a variety of social media platforms. The Stage Climber 100 may be used as an all-in-one platform, staircase, backdrop, and prop holder that is affordable and sturdy. The Stage Climber 100 may also be useful for personal use at home for many activities that may use a platform for a performer such as karaoke and similar activities.

The front side 101 of the Stage Climber 100 in FIG. 1a presents a flat and unadorned surface that may be used as a backdrop for staging performances. A green screen (not shown) may be attached to on placed in front of the front side 101 creating a useful backdrop for recordings of a performance when a performer stands and sits on the platform. Use of a green screen permits any desired image to be superimposed behind the performer in post-processing of the video recording. Pictures, posters, and similar items also may be hung on the front side of the Stage Climber 100 to create any desired performance environment for a scene.

The staircase shown in FIG. 1 shows eight steps 102 a-h rising from one side where the front side 101 of the Stage Climber 100 appears as a flat wall. The use of eight steps 102 a-h in the staircase is for exemplary purposes. Any number of steps may be included in the Stage Climber 100 as desired. Additionally, the width of the front side 101 may extend beyond the rising stairs to create a wall-like flat surface. The two sides 103-104 of the Stage Climber 100 typically are not visible when the front side 101 is used as a flat surface. The Stage Climber may be made of wood and particle board in an attempt to make the item affordable for a multitude of people. Other materials such as steel and aluminum also may be used, especially for constructing an inner frame that defines the shape of the Stage Climber 100.

The rear side 120 as shown in FIG. 1b may also include one or more extra prop holders (not shown) for items not in use for a particular performance. Additionally, storage space may be located within the Stage Climber 100 in which a storage door 121 opens to provide access 100 that is useful to store props and the extra prop holders therein. A fold out desk or table 203 or bar-height table may be included on the back side 120 to create a few standard photo prop backdrops.

FIG. 2a-b illustrate a rear view embodiment of an article of manufacture for a set of compact, multi-functional stairs useful as a stage prop for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings according to the present invention. The rear side 121 of the Stage Climber 101 may act as a bottom surface for a stage when the Stage Climber 100 is on its side as shown in FIG. 4. The rear side 201 is also a nonvisible side of the staircase when used as a backdrop as shown in FIG. 1.

The rear side 201 includes a wall that may have 3 panels that may be taken apart to include a door 202 as shown in FIG. 2a or another wall panel that has a window 205 or similar object attached to it as shown in FIG. 2b . These wall panels may attach with an easy to use hinge (not shown).

FIG. 3 illustrates a top down view of an article of manufacture for a compact, multi-functional set of stairs useful as a stage platform for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings according to the present invention. The set of eight steps 102 a-h of the Stage Climber 100 are shown descending from right to left. The door 121 and the fold-down table 203 are shown on the rear side 201 of the Stage Climber 100.

The width of the set of steps 102 a-c may vary as determined by the intended use of the platform. If the set of stairs 102 a-c are intended to be used by a performer, the stairs will require a width sufficient to permit someone to walk up these steps 102 a-c. The width of the steps 102 a-c also determines the amount of storage volume inside the Stage Climber 100. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the platform is between 26-30 inches. Additionally, the width of the stairs 102 a-c also controls how far about a floor a performer will be when the Stage Climber 100 is placed on its side for use as a stage as shown in FIG. 4. Each stair 102 a-h rises 9 inches in a preferred embodiment causing the entire platform 100 to stand 72 inches tall when upright.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an article of manufacture on its side to provide a performer's stage 400 for live performances in a theater and in on-line social media-based video recordings according to the present invention. The Stage Climber 100 staircase can be laid on its side to become a stage 400. The front side 101 of the Stage Climber 100 becomes a platform for a performer to stand upon when the staircase is placed on its side with the stairs oriented away from an audience. The bottom 401 and a longer side 103 form the visible surfaces of the stage. The height of the stage 400, as noted above, is determined by the width of the Stage Climber 100.

A pair of rollers 402 a-b are shown located on the bottom surface 401 of the Stage Climber 100. The rollers 402 a-b help users easily move the Stage Climber 100 about performance and storage spaces. The rollers 402 a-b also may consist of wheels, casters, and similar rotational motion aids that may be recessed or retractable into the bottom surface when not in use. The bottom surface 401 may also comprise a plurality of support devices (not shown) which may be adjustable to assist in leveling and stabilizing the Stage Climber 100 when it is in an upright orientation.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included to this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. 

What is claimed:
 1. An article of manufacture for providing a stage prop, the article comprises: A front side having a blank wall surface; a set of rising steps along a top surface; and a rear wall having a storage door to internal storage volume and a fold-down table surface; wherein the article of manufacture provides a performance platform when oriented with the rear wall located on the floor with a bottom side and a long side oriented towards an audience perspective.
 2. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, wherein the article further comprises a plurality of removable rear wall panels for providing attachment for additional staging props.
 3. The article of manufacture according to claim 2, wherein plurality of removable wall panels comprises a door, a wall having a window, and a wall having a table.
 4. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, wherein bottom side comprises a plurality of rolling devices for moving the article.
 5. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, wherein the set of rising stairs comprise 8 steps having a width between 26 and 30 inches and each rising 9 inches. 